Monster in the Dark

Dilemma

My stomach growls while I flip through movies and shows on my T.V. I settle on a lighthearted comedy, I don't need anything too intense tonight. The front door opens and Noah pokes his head in with a crooked grin.

"Delivery for Raine Ashbury." He steps inside, bouncing his eyebrows playfully. "Tips are always appreciated."

"Never pick your nose in public, always look both ways before crossing the street, and most importantly- make friends with someone who can cook!" I grin back at him, heading for the kitchen. "Smells amazing! What did you bring me?"

"You?" he scoffs "What are you talking about Raine? This is all for me."

"You said it was a delivery for me." I shove at him and laugh, my troubled thoughts begin to fade.

"Yeah, a delivery. I never said it was food."

"What's the delivery then?"

His expression becomes earnest, his deep brown eyes stare at me beneath long lashes.

"It's me, Raine. I'm the delivery." He reaches for my hands and clutches them melodramatically over his heart. "Don't you feel lucky? I'm all yours, body and soul!"

My laughter falters, my heartbeat speeds up. I drop my eyes with a scoff and pull my hands back.

"Oh, shut up, you tease." I scrunch my nose up at him. "Does that line work for you often?"

He claps a hand to his chest as though mortally wounded.

"Raine! How could you say that? You know I have only ever had eyes for you."

He reaches a hand out to caress my cheek. I swat it away and stick out my tongue. He's only playing, that's just how Noah is. So why is my heart still beating so hard? I've known him my whole life, he's always been attractive. Still, I have to admit in the last year he has grown to be practically irresistible. I force out a small chuckle and dig through the bags of food.

"Oh yes! Barbecue is my favorite!" My stomach growls again. "Thanks Noah."

"Anytime."

We settle in on the couch with our food and start the movie. Noah seems quieter than usual, more than once I catch him staring at me, his expression turbulent. Could it be that I worried him that badly?

He sets his plate next to mine on the coffee table and snuggles up to me. Something has changed between us, there's a strange tension in the air now. His head is on my shoulder. Both of us are still looking at the T.V. screen, but i doubt either of us sees anything on it.

"Wanna hear something wild?" He speaks quietly, in a tone I've never heard him use. I swallow, his voice humming in my ear sends shivers down my side.

"I meant it when I said that I've only ever had eyes for you."

My mind goes blank, his words echo through the emptiness in my head. His body feels warm and solid against mine, both of us tense and anxious. He sits up, hair falling across his dark eyes and reaches for my hand.

"Is it just me?" He's facing me now, his voice softer, almost pleading. "Could we ever be more?"

My breath catches in my chest. My eyes flicker down to his lips, full and inviting. I want him. I probably have for a long time. I nod, leaning in closer and his breath washes over my lips. He hesitates, just inches away.

"Do you want this?"

I look up into those dark eyes, anticipation singing though my entire body.

"Yes."